I’m still figuring out the best way to organize and structure the seminar. I’m thinking of having most of the time be devoted to two things: allowing people to share experiences as gaymers and describing gayming organizations (both by me and those in attendance). I’d like to have on hand as much literature from LGBTQ… organizations as possible.

I’m very interested in hearing suggestions on what people think would be a good use of this time. Also, please share this wherever appropriate, to encourage people to show up and also so that I can get literature and links to LGBTQ… gayming organizations. I’d like to put together some sort of shareable document or handout for the event.

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Below are the Gen Con events I will be at this year. These are only the events I am participating in as a moderator or panelist. I will be at plenty of other events as an attendee, participant, or gamer.

SEM1580482 – Proper Pitching & Promoting Yourself – Thursday, 7/30, 1:00 PM (ICC, 210). Want to get your work published? Learn about presentation, interview skills, networking, use of email & social media as tools, elevator pitches, how to make an opportunity when there isn’t one & more! This is an Industry Insider Featured Presenter Panel.

SEM1580469 – Gaymers – Friday, 7/31, 11:00 AM (ICC 210). Gaymers have been around as long as gaming has, but they are only now becoming mainstream. Learn about gayming organizations & get involved in supporting equality & diversity in our hobby. This is an Industry Insider Featured Presenter Panel, and I will be going solo (wish me luck!)

SEM1580463 – Diversity in Gaming – Friday, 7/31, 2:00 PM (ICC 210). Discrimination ordinances, Gamergate, & the expanding Geek culture emphasize the importance of diversity. This is an opportunity to brainstorm how we can make gaming more welcoming for everyone. This is an Industry Insider Featured Presenter Panel.

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This year at Gen Con, those of us socializing, eating, drinking, laughing, gaming, and networking at restaurants and other businesses are faced with a new reality: those restaurants might turn us away based on “sincerely held religious beliefs.”

The Gen Con Gaymers offer little ribbons declaring support for equality, and hold various events. Whether you do it through them or find your own way, I encourage people to make it clear to the Indiana government and any in the city of Indianapolis who sees you that this is unacceptable. Of course, it is not these individual business owners who made this decision, but they will now have the right to act based on it. I don’t think it’s likely that any will be unwise enough to do this during the convention, but they could, and that is frightening.

You can write to the governor, members of their state government, and even to local businesses. You can wear a little equality symbol. You can even ask business owners up front if they welcome all customers. I’m almost tempted to suggest an organized protest of the bill at Gen Con, but I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.